Athleta Opens First Texas Store … and More Industry News

MANAGEMENT CHANGES
Francesca Holdings Corp. fired cfo Gene Morphis, who disclosed confidential company information on social media outlets, according to Bloomberg. The company discovered the messages on May 11 and quickly conducted an internal investigation; details of Morphis’ postings have not been released.

Multinational design and distribution group Li & Fung Ltd. (Hong Kong) has tapped William Fung to serve as its chairperson and executive director, replacing Victor Fung, Women’s Wear Daily reports. In addition, Spencer Fung was promoted to group chief operating officer.

STORE OPENING
Gap-brand Athleta (Sonoma, Calif.) has opened its first Texas location, a 4888-square-foot space in Town & Country Village, the Houston Chronicle reports. The store features graphics of models practicing yoga, surfing, skiing and hiking as a nod to its activewear brand. Reclaimed wood, found objects and historic-style fixturing highlight products within the store, while moveable clothing racks allow for in-store fitness classes.

BUSINESS BRIEFS
Fitch (Columbus, Ohio) is opening a new studio in Minneapolis, which is the company’s 12th location globally.

Flooring manufacturer Centiva (Florence, Ala.) earned two platinum awards for design excellence (ADEX) for its Atlantis Metal, Coral Reef and Magics colorations. The awards are the company’s 12th consecutive
win.

Dan Casterella, senior director of national retail sales and client services for American Christmas (Mount Vernon, N.Y.), has been named one of top 30 businesspeople under 30 by 914 Inc., a regional, business-lifestyle magazine covering New York’s Westchester county.

Building materials company Saint-Gobain (Valley Forge, Pa.) earned Greenguard Indoor Air Quality and Children & Schools certifications for its Grenite series of engineered stone surfaces by meeting requirements for low VOC emissions.